Android 5.1 Factory image for the Nexus 7 (2012) 3G appears

Google is continuing to update their older Nexus devices, this morning adding the Android 5.1 factory image for the GSM version of the Nexus 7 (2012) – (nakasig).

The 385MB factory image, for Android Build LMY47D, is now available to download from the Nexus Factory Images site on the Google Developers website. Also added at the same time are the Binaries for the tablet, including the GSM drivers, all of which are available for download on the Binaries page on website.

The Nexus 7 (2012) has copped some flack as devices have slowed to a crawl, but some users have found the Android 5.1 has breathed new life into their device. The tablet works admirably as a single purpose device like a Plex remote, or IP Camera viewer but if you have a Nexus 7 (2012) GSM version, you now have the opportunity to find out. Head over and download the update if you’re ready to flash, or hold tight and we’ll find an OTA for you ASAP.

Daniel Tyson Editor

Dan is a die-hard Android fan. Some might even call him a lunatic. He's been an Android user since Android was a thing, and if there's a phone that's run Android, chances are he owns it (his Nexus collection is second-to-none) or has used it.

Dan's dedication to Ausdroid is without question, and he has represented us at some of the biggest international events in our industry including Google I/O, Mobile World Congress, CES and IFA.

My N7 became pretty much unusable after KitKat. 5.0.2 made it very slightly better… as in I can use it occasionally for minutes at a time without wanting to throw it at a brick wall, but it’s definitely past its prime.